Apple MacBook Air 13" M2 vs HP Envy x360 14 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Air M2 and HP's Envy x360 14 target different priorities. The MacBook Air excels with superior battery endurance at 18 hours versus 11 hours, exceptional build quality, and the M2's efficient performance for everyday tasks. Its 500-nit Liquid Retina display is bright and accurate, though limited to 60Hz refresh rates. The HP Envy x360 counters with a larger 14-inch OLED touchscreen boasting 2880 x 1800 resolution and 120Hz responsiveness, superior contrast, and convertible flexibility for $350 less. It includes 16GB RAM and 512GB storage standard, while the MacBook starts at just 8GB and 256GB. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H trades blows with M2 in productivity but consumes more power, explaining the shorter battery life. Choose the MacBook Air for maximum portability, longevity between charges, and macOS ecosystem integration. Select the HP for richer visuals, better base specs, touchscreen versatility, legacy port support, and Windows software compatibility. The MacBook edges slightly ahead for pure laptop experience, but the Envy x360 delivers superior value and flexibility for the price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M2 if…
- →Stunning redesign with flat edges and slim 0.44-inch profile
- →MagSafe charging returns — frees up both USB-C ports
- →1080p FaceTime camera is a massive upgrade over the M1 Air
Buy the HP Envy x360 14 (2024) if…
- →2.8K 120Hz OLED touchscreen delivers stunning visuals at $849
- →2-in-1 convertible form factor with 360-degree hinge
- →Intel Core Ultra with NPU for on-device AI acceleration
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M2
Pros
- Stunning redesign with flat edges and slim 0.44-inch profile
- MagSafe charging returns — frees up both USB-C ports
- 1080p FaceTime camera is a massive upgrade over the M1 Air
- Liquid Retina display is brighter and slightly larger at 13.6 inches
- Fanless M2 chip handles 4K video editing silently
Cons
- 256 GB base SSD uses single NAND chip — notably slower writes than M1 Air
- 8 GB base RAM requires a $200 upgrade for serious work
- Still limited to one external display without workarounds
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion option
- Midnight color is a fingerprint magnet
HP Envy x360 14 (2024)
Pros
- 2.8K 120Hz OLED touchscreen delivers stunning visuals at $849
- 2-in-1 convertible form factor with 360-degree hinge
- Intel Core Ultra with NPU for on-device AI acceleration
- Good port selection with USB-A and HDMI included
- Lightweight at 1.39 kg for a convertible
Cons
- OLED panel reduces battery life versus IPS alternatives
- No Thunderbolt 4 — USB-C ports are limited
- Fan noise can be noticeable under sustained loads
- Stylus not included — sold separately
- Soldered RAM cannot be upgraded
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M2 | HP Envy x360 14 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Ventura | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 1.39 kg |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 313.6 x 219.5 x 16.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 2 |
| SD card | — | |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | — |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 11 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 59 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 14 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | OLED touchscreen |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2880 x 1800 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB LPDDR5x |
| Cores | 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 14-core (4P + 8E + 2 LP-E) |
| Chipset | Apple M2 | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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